JOHNSTON — Newberry Academy traveled to Johnston on Tuesday night to face the Wardlaw Patriots. The Newberry Academy girls came home with a close win, 24-19, while the boys lost a heartbreaker in double overtime, 65-57.
The Lady Eagles started the night in a defensive battle with Wardlaw. Neither team could get much going offensively, but Newberry scratched out a one point lead at the half, 9-8.
The Lady Eagles held their lead throughout the second half, but Wardlaw kept things close. Newberry was up 13-8 late in the third, and only held a three point lead with just over a minute remaining.
The Lady Eagles held on for the win. Andie Getz led Newberry with 7 points, followed by Kathryn Wilbanks with 6 points. Other players to score included Amber Suber with 5 points, Leigha Harbert with 4 points and Amy Fuller with 2 points.
The boys’ team played well in a losing effort, but turnovers spoiled an otherwise nice performance. Substituting freely, head coach Scott Gardner had nearly all of his players involved early in the game.
After one period, the game was tied at 11-11. The Eagles had a letdown in the second period, and were unable to convert on several opportunities, leading to a 23-15 halftime deficit. The Eagles surged in the third period, opening a four-point lead.
The surge was led by Tyrese Taylor, who had five points in the period. Newberry was down by two, 40-38, with 1:26 remaining, but a late basket by Daniel Bannister pushed his team into overtime. The Eagles nearly closed out the game in the first overtime, holding a 51-48 edge with 15 seconds remaining.
Wardlaw hit a big three pointer as time expired, sending the game into another overtime. The game remained close until a blown defensive assignment, coupled with a turnover led to a quick five-point swing. Wardlaw closed the game out at the free-throw line.
Senior Dylan Mackeben led the Eagles with 24 points, followed by Bannister with 11 points. Other Eagles to score included Camron Hawkins with 8 points, Taylor with 5 points, and Andy Lin with 3 points. Three players had two points each, including Darius Williams, Landen York, and Josh Sawyer.
Newberry Academy travels to Columbia on Friday to face Northside Christian.